Mission
To help warriors relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
About
H
Heroes on the Water, a 501(c)(3) veterans charity, creates alternative therapeutic programs to serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families. These experiential programs incorporate structured activities proven to improve the lives of these men and women. Each experience reduces the impact of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury while providing much-needed camaraderie and support.
The primary proven therapy utilized by Heroes on the Water is kayak fishing. Volunteer-led chapters around the United States hold events which are free for our nation’s heroes. Recurring activities give these heroes and their families a lifelong social network with like-minded people. No experience or equipment is needed, and kayak fishing is adaptive to those with disabilities. Our chapters in Australia and the U.K utilize the same proven model.
Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water is dedicated to providing veterans services through recurring therapy and growing our volunteer chapter base. In 2018, we officially opened our services to first responders and their families. Our programs are proven to be effective and provide heroes with a way to positively improve their lives, enhance their family dynamic, and impact their community.
Impact
- Traumatic injuries now outnumber deaths as a result of modern medical advances
- Global War on Terror warriors serve an average of 45 months in combat compared to 15 months/Vietnam War and 7 months/WW2
- 300,000+ warriors have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); 320,000+ have Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); 31,902 have visible wounds, according to a 2009 Rand Study
Heroes on the Water was a participant in a study conducted by Troy University. It was an 18-month study focused on alternative forms of therapy for individuals who were faced with traumatic experiences. The impact is significant:
60
PERCENT LESS RE-EXPERIENCE
Includes less flashbacks, bad dreams and frightening thoughts
56
PERCENT LESS STRESS
Reduction in the levels of stress
63
PERCENT LESS AVOIDANCE
Staying away from places or avoiding situations that trigger reminders
62
PERCENT LESS HYPER-VIGILANCE
